Vikings Moved On From Kirk Cousins — Now Falcons May Regret the Gamble
Just one season after parting ways with longtime starter Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings appear to have dodged a financial and strategic headache that now rests squarely on the shoulders of the Atlanta Falcons.
Cousins made headlines when he signed a massive four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta, which included a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed — plus a no-trade clause that gave him full control over his future. The deal raised eyebrows across the league.
But the Falcons’ decision became even more puzzling during the 2024 NFL Draft, when they selected Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick — despite their enormous investment in Cousins and glaring holes elsewhere on the roster.
Cousins, who was still recovering from the Achilles tear that ended his 2023 season in Minnesota, didn’t look like the same player in Atlanta. His performance struggled, eventually leading to a benching, and now the Falcons are reportedly experiencing buyer’s remorse.
The team faces a complex challenge: not only must they find a trade partner willing to absorb a significant portion of Cousins’ massive salary, but the veteran quarterback would also need to waive his no-trade clause for any deal to go through.
Kirk Cousins
Could Cousins Land in New Orleans?
With the sudden retirement of Saints QB Derek Carr due to a lingering shoulder injury, rumors have begun to swirl around Cousins as a potential fit in New Orleans. CBS Sports listed the Saints as a possible trade destination, noting their dire need for a bridge quarterback.
Currently, New Orleans is left with Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener — none of whom inspire much confidence as full-time starters heading into the 2025 season. Bringing in a veteran like Cousins could provide short-term stability while the team develops a long-term plan at the position.
Other names floated for the Saints include Aaron Rodgers, Carson Wentz, or trade targets like Will Levis and Jameis Winston. But Cousins remains one of the more intriguing — if complicated — options due to his contract situation.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota…
The Vikings seem to have made the right move by stepping away from the Cousins era. While they’ve turned to Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy — two quarterbacks who are still unproven — they’ve done so without the financial burden that comes with a high-priced veteran. The flexibility also gives them room to build around their next potential franchise QB.
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